This is the 'lovely' newborn baby boy who has died ­after being savaged by his family’s pet dog.

Proud parents Maria Blacklin and Ryan Young had only just shown three-week-old Reggie off to neighbours today.

The baby was rushed to ­hospital after being bitten by the “tiny” Patterdale Terrier at the family home, but ­doctors could not save him.

Northumbria Police confirmed the dog, called Tricky, is being kept in kennels and is likely to be destroyed.

A 30-year-old man was ­arrested in connection with the 4.15am incident as officers probed the tragedy.

Adorable: Three-week old Reggie Blacklin was killed in the attack (Image: Family Handout)

Neighbours spoke of their shock at the death of Reggie, who is believed to have four brothers and sisters.

Paul Tweddle, 50, said: “It should be a happy time. It is horrible. It will take the family a long long time to recover. I see the terrier from time to time. Sometimes it gets out, so I shout Ryan and he gets it.”

The family have lived on the street in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, for two years. Neighbour Denise Haley, 59, said: “Maria is a lovely girl and I do not know how she will cope. I am scared of any dog but that dog seemed OK. It is tiny.”

Another local described Reggie as a “lovely bairn”.

A family member, who did not want be named, said Maria was not in when Reggie was attacked – but she never left her son alone with the dog.

He said she was at a family event and got home to find the horrific scene.

Police: Falkland Road, Sunderland where little Redgie has died

Patterdales have been used for fox-hunting and though they are usually just 12ins tall have strong jaws and a fearsome reputation for ­pursuing prey.

They are good family pets but owners are warned to watch them around children under six, who they can see as rivals for affection and attention.

A neighbour, who declined to be named, said: “I know terriers. I think the dog had become jealous of the baby and that’s why this happened.”